Picking your next travel destination is never an easy task when there's an infinite amount of places that are worth checking off your list. However, this time around, the choice was clear. Having seen hundreds of photos and hearing dozens upon dozens of stories from adventurers like myself, The Canadian Rockies was at the top of my travel bucket list. These world-class mountains have just about everything a photographer or traveler could be looking for. Not only are some of the most beautiful attractions easily accessible, but it also offers some equally incredible lesser-known views that you have to work for.

It's always been a dream of mine to road trip through Alberta to experience the Canadian Rockies for myself. What drew me to the Rockies were the incredibly varied mountain peaks and ranges, glacier fed lakes with colors more brilliant than any I had ever seen, countless overflowing waterfalls, and picturesque views around every corner. Many places struggle to live up to the idyllic scenes captured by skilled photographers, but this place left me with my jaw on the floor around every corner with the unmatchable beauty of its landscapes that absolutely blew my expectations out of the water. Here are my top 8 adventures in the Canadian Rockies you don't want to miss!

1. Cave dwelling at Johnston Canyon: Sometimes going off trail will take you to some of the most incredible places. Step foot into this cave and onto another planet as you take in the otherworldly view.

2. Skating the Icefields Parkway: The Icefields Parkway is hands down one of the most scenic roads in the world. Skating it was even more epic!

3. Kayaking Moraine Lake: Kayaking on Moraine Lake really allows you to appreciate how grand this lake really is as you get closer to the trademark peaks that tower high above. You’ll want to head here early to have it all to yourself.

4. Catching a sunrise at Two Jack Lake: You can never go wrong with a sunrise session at Two Jack Lake. This spot offers tons of top-notch angles to photograph.

5. Exploring Sunwapta Falls: Mother Nature can leave you speechless sometimes and this is definitely one of those spots. Watching the water rush around the perfectly placed island and crash down the falls just downstream is an experience I'll never forget.

6. Take in the epic views of Lake O’Hara: Lake O’Hara is one of those untouched places that is just bursting with natural beauty. Epic views for days with no crowds makes this place one of my favorites.

7. Find the perfect spot to hang out overlooking Peyto Lake: Could there be a more perfect spot to hammock? I don’t think so.

8. Living life on the edge at Crescent Falls: Perched over the edge of these falls, the sheer power is enough to take your breath away. If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.